Germany's Olaf Scholz eyes stronger EU in first trip abroad as chancellor | DW News |

Normandy format back on the table

The newly sworn-in German chancellor first traveled to Paris for a working lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron.

First on the menu was how to deal with Russia, as tensions endure over Moscow's military presence near the border with Ukraine.

Scholz said: "It's very clear that Germany, the European Union and many other countries would react if border violations occurred."

But Scholz wanted to hold out an olive branch as he called for renewed diplomatic efforts, starting with fresh four-way talks with Russia.

"We have a good basis that needs to be revived -- for example the talks in the Normandy format," Scholz said in a joint news conference with Macron, referring to discussions between Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine aimed at solving the crisis.

'Sapere aude'

Außenministerin @ABaerbock @Die_Gruenen droht Russland - "Harte diplomatische und wirtschaftliche Konsequenzen" [_link]

— Andreas Umland (@UmlandAndreas) December 13, 2021

Foreign Minister @ABaerbock @The green threatens Russia - "Harsh diplomatic and economic consequences"

'Sapere aude'

#NordStream2: I noticed some misinterpretations circulating around the statements of the German MFA Baerbock. In the framework of the G7 meeting, she stated that the coalition agreement establishes that all energy projects (NS2 not specified) must comply with the EU energy law. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IPWjucEIIy

— Dionis Cenusa (@DionisCenusa) December 13, 2021

'Sapere aude'

German Chancellor #OlafScholz discussed the #Poland-#Belarus migrant dispute, the #NordStream2 pipeline, and #Russia's possible invasion of #Ukraine with Polish PM #MateuszMorawiecki. Learn more: [_link] #Scholz #Morawiecki #Lukashenko #Germany

— Statecraft (@statecraftdaily) December 13, 2021

'Sapere aude'

"Lobby ist in Deutschland sehr stark"
Politologe @UmlandAndreas sieht kaum Chancen, dass🇩🇪den Betrieb der Pipeline dauerhaft verhindert. Große Unternehmen und ostdeutsche Länder stünden an Russland's Seite Die Hoffnung für ein Aus liege auf EU-Gremien.

Translation:
"The lobby is very strong in Germany" political scientist @UmlandAndreas sees little chance that the pipeline operation will be definitely prevented. Large companies and East German states are on Russia's side. The hope for exposure to EU regulations.

'Sapere aude'